Doxycycline and adapalene gel

Doxycycline

Take doxycycline once daily, ideally with a meal and a full glass of water. Sit or stand while taking it, and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes afterwards so it’s less likely to irritate your stomach. 

Adapalene gel

1. Wash your face using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and pat dry.

2. Wait 20-30 minutes until your skin is completely dry (applying to damp skin can increase irritation).

3. Use a pea-sized amount of gel to cover your entire face (or affected areas).

4. Gently spread the gel in a thin layer. Using more won’t make it more effective and could increase your risk of side effects.

5. If skin feels tight or dry, wait a few minutes until the gel has absorbed, then apply a fragrance-free moisturiser labelled ‘non‑comedogenic’ (they’re not as likely to block pores).

6. Leave the thin layer of gel on your skin overnight to work while you sleep.

Doxycycline reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin and calms inflammation. 

Adapalene gel is a retinoid that works to both clear current breakouts and help prevent new acne forming, by:

1. Stimulating skin cell renewal within pores, helping to prevent clogging

2. Reducing inflammation in existing breakouts

3. Treating both inflammatory (red, painful pimples) and non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads)

Combining the two increases the chance of getting smoother, less inflamed skin by tackling different acne triggers at the same time.

It usually takes around 6 weeks before oral antibiotics like doxycycline make a noticeable improvement in your skin. Studies have shown using adapalene alongside oral antibiotics for acne has been shown to help them to work faster and more effectively.

You’ll need to use adapalene consistently for about 6-8 weeks before you see a noticeable improvement.

Your doctor or clinician may recommend you keep using adapalene even after your skin clears to help prevent acne coming back.

Doxycycline may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so follow a good sun protection routine. Apply daily sun block (non oily, fragrance-free) and keep out of the sun when it’s most intense. You should also avoid sun beds. 

Other possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Always let your doctor or clinician know if you get severe or persistent symptoms. 

Most adapalene gel side effects are mild and temporary, often settling down within 2-4 weeks. Typical effects include mild redness or discomfort, dryness, peeling and slight burning or stinging. Less common reactions are contact dermatitis or an acne flare-up. 

Adapalene cream or gel should be applied to the affected skin areas thinly once a day before going to bed. Seek immediate medical help if you get severe irritation or signs of allergy (difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling). 

Adapalene can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. 

Full details on use and safety are in the doxycycline and adapalene gel patient information leaflets.